FHP: Couple argued before he was fatally struck by car

Published: Friday, February 14, 2014 at 4:34 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, February 14, 2014 at 4:34 p.m.

VENICE - Joan and Gary Lamson had argued in the driveway outside their Pelican Pointe home before the car she was driving struck and killed him last month, dragging him several feet, according to a newly released traffic report.

Facts

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Joan Lamson, 71, told investigators that they argued in the driveway on Jan. 28 at about 10 a.m. as Gary Lamson, 69, stood in front of the couple's 2010 Lexus LS460.

Joan Lamson was in the driver's seat and, according to the Florida Highway Patrol report, "for an unknown reason (Joan) failed to observe (Gary) in the driveway and proceeded forward heading southbound."

The FHP report said Lamson's body was dragged about 20 feet before the car stopped on top of him, partly in the driveway and partly in the road, Grouse Way.

Troopers estimated that the car was going as fast as 20 mph before it stopped and noted acceleration marks near the scene.

Gary Lamson was declared dead at Venice Medical Regional Center from his injuries.

The Lexus struck Gary Lamson with the front of the driver's side of the car. The report said the driver's vision was not obscured and she was not distracted.

Joan Lamson declined to comment on the report.

FHP Lt. Greg Bueno said the case is still under investigation, though no charges have been filed. The traffic report concluded that the driver was operating the vehicle in a careless or negligent manner.

"One of the reasons why we conduct these investigations is to determine what occurred, and whether or not it was an infraction or criminal," Bueno said.

<p><em>VENICE</em> - Joan and Gary Lamson had argued in the driveway outside their Pelican Pointe home before the car she was driving struck and killed him last month, dragging him several feet, according to a newly released traffic report.</p><p>Joan Lamson, 71, told investigators that they argued in the driveway on Jan. 28 at about 10 a.m. as Gary Lamson, 69, stood in front of the couple's 2010 Lexus LS460.</p><p>Joan Lamson was in the driver's seat and, according to the Florida Highway Patrol report, "for an unknown reason (Joan) failed to observe (Gary) in the driveway and proceeded forward heading southbound."</p><p>The FHP report said Lamson's body was dragged about 20 feet before the car stopped on top of him, partly in the driveway and partly in the road, Grouse Way.</p><p>Troopers estimated that the car was going as fast as 20 mph before it stopped and noted acceleration marks near the scene.</p><p>Gary Lamson was declared dead at Venice Medical Regional Center from his injuries.</p><p>The Lexus struck Gary Lamson with the front of the driver's side of the car. The report said the driver's vision was not obscured and she was not distracted.</p><p>Joan Lamson declined to comment on the report.</p><p>FHP Lt. Greg Bueno said the case is still under investigation, though no charges have been filed. The traffic report concluded that the driver was operating the vehicle in a careless or negligent manner.</p><p>"One of the reasons why we conduct these investigations is to determine what occurred, and whether or not it was an infraction or criminal," Bueno said.</p>